What does it truly mean to be seen as fully human in a world that often overlooks disability?
In this thought-provoking episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon—an acclaimed deaf author, speaker, and researcher—for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, accessibility, and belonging. With ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent joining, Dr. Cawthon shares the personal and cultural impact of her book Disability is Human, a work that has deeply influenced Mike’s own journey.
They discuss the challenges of growing up with hearing loss in a time when ASL access was limited, and how this shaped language development and education. The conversation dives into important issues like the “disability tax,” identity formation, and the hidden barriers many disabled individuals encounter, especially in entry-level jobs. They also unpack the effects of societal attitudes, exploring concepts like “helper syndrome” and “stalker syndrome,” which create subtle but real burdens for people with disabilities.
Dr. Cawthon highlights that while the ADA was a critical step toward inclusion, achieving true accessibility demands ongoing shifts in mindset, mentorship, and opportunity. This episode invites listeners to rethink disability—not as a problem to be fixed, but as a vital part of the human experience.
Disability is Human Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Human-Vital-Accessibility-Everyday/dp/1954233299
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Mike Bolland sits down with Latisha Judkins, who shares her harrowing yet uplifting story of resilience. After losing her right leg below the knee to a flesh-eating bacteria, Latisha faced incredible challenges but emerged stronger than ever. Tune in to hear how she overcame physical and emotional hurdles, found support, and rebuilt her life with determination and hope. Latisha’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s power to thrive in adversity.
In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland highlights three powerful stories from the limb loss community: A quadruple amputee's breathtaking skydive to celebrate his 65th birthday, showcasing resilience and courage. A nurse adjusting to life after a foot amputation caused by a bacterial infection, sharing his journey toward recovery and prosthetics. The mission of the Uniquely Me Foundation, empowering individuals with limb differences to embrace their uniqueness.
Mike Bolland sits down with Jeanette Jones, a childhood cancer survivor who shares her remarkable story. Diagnosed with cancer as a child, Jeanette faced years of treatment in an effort to save her left leg. At age 16, she underwent a hip disarticulation — a complex amputation that removes the entire leg, including the femur, from the pelvis. Jeanette's resilience and determination in the face of these challenges will leave you inspired. Tune in for her powerful insights on adapting to life after amputation and thriving beyond adversity.
